Well, it was about this time last year I purchased my 2003 2.5 auto, done 5000 miles, and after a terrific drive in the crisp sun today I can honestly say that it is even more enjoyable than I thought it was going to be. And I thought it was going to be good. That engine is just sublime, still love the view of those rear haunches in the door mirrors, and I am thoroughly enjoying the smooth auto.
I not quite got used to that big bonnet sticking out yet, and still park too close to the kerb going in forwards, or too far away going in backwards!
The 2.5 auto is no slouch either, and whilst the 3.0 maybe a bit quicker, in real terms on the roads I suspect you would be hard pushed to tell.
I have sorted the squeaks and rattles from the interior trim, put a new steering wheel cover on it, done the tinny door mod, done the rear brake light, and put a private plate on. The Maldives Blue always gets admiring glances and comments (I go see customers in it), and I have had many people saying 'you are doing alright for yourself then', so it obviously has presence as well.
I gave myself a year with it, but have revised that to 'indefinitely'.
Things I don't like? the £305 a year tax, and 25mpg, mainly. But as I do 5000 miles a year I consider it worth paying over a car that would be 45mpg and less tax (rather have £305 on this than £290 on an MX5 or an MGF!). I'd like the sports seats and non-run flats too, but not enough to do anything about it.
Here's to the next year of happy motoring!
I not quite got used to that big bonnet sticking out yet, and still park too close to the kerb going in forwards, or too far away going in backwards!
The 2.5 auto is no slouch either, and whilst the 3.0 maybe a bit quicker, in real terms on the roads I suspect you would be hard pushed to tell.
I have sorted the squeaks and rattles from the interior trim, put a new steering wheel cover on it, done the tinny door mod, done the rear brake light, and put a private plate on. The Maldives Blue always gets admiring glances and comments (I go see customers in it), and I have had many people saying 'you are doing alright for yourself then', so it obviously has presence as well.
I gave myself a year with it, but have revised that to 'indefinitely'.
Things I don't like? the £305 a year tax, and 25mpg, mainly. But as I do 5000 miles a year I consider it worth paying over a car that would be 45mpg and less tax (rather have £305 on this than £290 on an MX5 or an MGF!). I'd like the sports seats and non-run flats too, but not enough to do anything about it.
Here's to the next year of happy motoring!
